Oliver Cromwell's House

The Tudor townhouse where Cromwell lived before he became Lord Protector sits on the high street in Ely, looking like it belongs in a history book you'd actually want to read. It's a proper timber-framed building with that distinctive lean that comes from four centuries of settling, and stepping inside feels like you've walked into someone's actual home rather than a museum exhibit.

You'll find period furniture, portraits, and bits of Cromwell's life spread across the rooms - nothing flashy, which somehow makes it more compelling. The Civil War stuff is covered, obviously, but it's the domestic details that stick with you: the kitchen, the modest furnishings, the sense of who this man actually was before the politics took over. History enthusiasts will spend a good hour here; casual visitors might manage 30-40 minutes comfortably.

It works best as part of a broader Ely day rather than a standalone stop. The cathedral is right there, the town has decent pubs and cafes, and if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Heatherbield Lodge is just 2.2 miles away - it's an easy morning outing. Hatters Meadows is similarly close at 2.7 miles.

Worth the visit if you've got any interest in English history, though it's not the sort of place that'll grip younger kids for long. Fair warning: opening hours can be unpredictable, so ring ahead before making the journey.